The key to a stress-free long distance move is careful planning.

It will make the process a whole lot smoother, and it will help you avoid any big mistakes.

Moving home has been viewed as more stressful than having kids, changing jobs or marriage. Yet, it doesn't have to be.

Not only do we provide expert movers to simplify the experience, but we have some top tips you'll be glad you read.

For a simple relocation experience, you should check out our complete packing guide...

Downsize Before Your Long Distance Move

There are bound to be some items you can say goodbye to in your current home. From old clothing, you don't wear to decorative accessories you won't use.

Downsizing can reduce the size of the moving van you'll need. What's more, it will simplify the packing process, as you'll have less to organize.

Don't waste time, money and space packing items you'll only throw away in your new home.

You may have less to take than you first thought.

Don't want to throw the items in the trash? Here's how you can downsize:
  • Host a garage sale to sell the items to your neighbors. One person's trash is another's treasure, after all.
  • Sell the items online.
  • Ask family and friends if they would like one or more items.
  • Donate to charity, as someone less fortunate might be happy to give the items a new home.

Use High-Quality Packing Materials

You will want to protect your items during a long distance move.

For this reason, it's advisable to invest in high-quality packing materials.

The best removal experts can't protect a glass vase if it hasn't been carefully packed away.

To reduce the risk of damaged objects during transit, consider various moving supplies.

The following could help your items arrive at a new location without one scratch:
  • Strong, high-quality moving boxes for non-fragile items.
  • Bubble wrap to provide a cushioning for fragile items.
  • Packing paper to protect items from scratches or damage.
  • Packing tape to securely close a box, and prevent lost items or collapsing.

Don't Pack Personal Documents

Never pack personal documents during a long distance move. During the relocation process, you may need your:
  • Passport
  • Driver's license
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
You may also need recent bank statements, pay stubs or tax returns at some point. For this reason, do not pack them in boxes.

Think about the items you will need in your new home. For instance, there might be some personal documents you will need for a new job.

Don't forget to keep some clothes, hygiene products and more to one side, too.

Organize Your Boxes

Don't throw items into boxes any old way.

Organization will help make the most of the boxes and space, and it'll make your life easier once you arrive.

Here's how you can organize your boxes:

Label the Boxes

Label every box ready for the long distance move.

Mark boxes as "Fragile" if they contain delicate items. This will tell removal experts to handle the objects with extra care.

Color Coding

One of the easiest ways to improve the moving experience is by color coding your boxes.

You should assign each room with a color, which you can display with colored markers, stickers or tape.

That way, when the shipment arrives in your new home, you'll know what box belongs to what room.

You could even mark the rooms by color in each room, so the movers know the destination for each color coded box.

Also, you won't have to wade through different boxes to find dishes, cutlery or pajamas on your first night.

Pack Important Items Last

Think about all the items you use on a daily basis. You must pack these products last.

Start by packing all the items you won't use right away, such as books, DVDs, and out-of-season clothes.

Make a Checklist

Remember when we said organization is key to a smooth long distance move?

Well, it really is. Make your life a whole lot easier and make a handy checklist.

Write a list of everything you need to pack and tick it off once it's wrapped up and placed in a box.

This will allow you to track what you've packed - and how much more you have to pack.

You should also aim to write the list by room, so you can focus on packing up the house one room at a time.

Inspect Your Outdoor Furniture

If you have outdoor furniture you want to take with you, you must carefully inspect it for pests.

There are various moving regulations for furniture. You cannot transport contaminants across state lines.

You must look for signs of any insects or larvae infestation.

If in doubt, pick up a government pamphlet for regulation information. They will also help you to learn how to remove moths, larvae, and other annoying pests.

Pack a Personal Survival Kit for the Long Distance Move

A long distance move could take a week, depending on your location and removal company.

For this reason, it's beneficial to pack a personal survival.

The kit should include:
  • Several changes of clothing
  • Essential toiletries
  • Entertainment (Books, laptop or tablet)
  • Electronic charges
  • Toys for children
If you plan to relocate to your by car, you will also be able to pack other essential items for use during transit. For instance, you could pack blankets, pillows, and cookware.

Hire Professional Packing Services

While there might be some items you would like to pack yourself, there are experts who can do the hard work for you.

At Upline Moving, we understand people will have different needs, which is why we can customize a move.

From special handling to extra insurance, we can make the moving process as easy as possible.

We will arrive at your home to pack and load your items, and our crew will both unload and unpack your items.

Moving home doesn't have to be stressful. As long as your organized, downsize and hire the best professionals, the process can be a doddle.

Do you have any top tips for moving home? Do you have a relocation story you'd like to share? Please feel free to write in the comment section below.